Image of FCIC title bar linking to the FCIC Homepage.


Welcome to the June 2005 edition of the Federal Citizen Information Center's FEDINFO E-letter! These subscription e-letters from Pueblo are sent 6-8 times a year with helpful updates, practical information, and special offers to make your life a little easier. You can always find the latest information at our websites: Pueblo.gsa.gov and www.USA.gov.

This issue includes:

Image of boy holding flag linking to USA.gov 4th of July page
CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America -- the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a special day to fly the American flag.

Kick off your July 4th celebration at USA.gov's "July 4th is Independence Day" page. On this page you'll find:

  • A view of the original Declaration of Independence
  • Trivia and facts about the 4th of July and the U.S. flag
  • Sheet music and sound recordings of patriotic melodies
  • Fireworks laws in the states, plus other safety tips
  • and much more!

    • Image of food on a grill linking to tips on food safety at cookoutsFOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY 4TH OF JULY

    Before you fire up that grill to celebrate Independence Day, here are a few reminders to prevent food-borne illness or food contamination:

  • Food safety begins with hand-washing even in outdoor settings. And it can be as simple as using a water jug, some soap, and paper towels.

    •
  • Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten, under running tap water before packing them

  • Marinate foods in the refrigerator, not on the counter or outdoors. If some of the marinade is to be used as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion separately before adding the raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Don't reuse marinade.

  • Don't use the same platter and utensils that previously held raw meat or seafood to serve cooked meats and seafood.

    • For more food safety tips, check out FDA's Food Safety Tips for a Safe and Healthy 4th of July.

    Image of Grand Canyon linking to National Park Service website

    NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH

    July is National Recreation and Parks Month! That means it's time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Check out "Walk on the Wild Side" to get to know the sights, sounds and smells of America's big backyard. You'll find games, puzzles and other activities to teach children more about fish, wildlife and how to help keep America's public lands beautiful and healthy.

    Then reward your kids' newfound knowledge (and yours) of wildlife with an outdoor adventure. Use the National Park Guide to plan a visit to one of our country's more than 300 parks, monuments and historic sites. You can find the perfect park by searching alphabetically; by state, region, or zip code; or even by your particular outdoor interests.

    FREE PUBLICATIONSLink to list of free publication offers

    The Federal Citizen Information Center frequently has special offers of free publications mentioned in magazines and newspapers around the country. We provide visitors to our website with an opportunity to order these publications online -- even if they didn’t see the original article. You can find these promotions on our Media Promotions page. It’s a page worth bookmarking so you can check back every so often to see what new offers have been added.

    Note: Some of the older offers mentioned on the page have ended but they provide links to the publications online or you can order a free sample package of publications.

    Many consumers are now using SPAM-blocking software or junk-mail filters offered by their e-mail providers. These filters may also prevent you from receiving e-letters that you have subscribed to like FEDINFO. If you are using these filters, you may want to consider adding the following e-mail address to your "safe list": cic.info@gsa.gov.


    We hope that you have found this e-letter valuable. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please contact us at: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/emailus.htm.

    Click here for previous issues of the FEDINFO E-newsletter.

    This e-mail was sent to you because you signed up to receive updates, notifications of new information, and special offers from the Federal Citizen Information Center. You may leave the list at any time by visiting http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/maillist.htm.

    Issue 2005-3